DURHAM Area Action Partnership is inviting voluntary and community groups to apply for funding from a £20,000 pot through its sixth ‘It’s Up to You’ event.

Applications can be submitted for amounts of between £1,000 and £2,000.

Projects can be for anything that benefits the local community and it is expected that about 20 groups will compete for the funding, which is decided by public vote that will take place in November at an event in Durham Town Hall.

Durham AAP chairwoman, Cllr Amanda Hopgood said: “Last year, more than 600 people turned out to vote on the day which is great recognition and publicity for these groups whose work so often goes on unnoticed.”

The closing date for applications is Friday, September 21. The AAP team can support organisations looking to make an application. For more information, phone Wendy Lavelle at Durham AAP on 03000-267205 or wendy.lavelle@durham.gov.uk.

Cllr Hopgood added: “This year it could be your organisation that benefits.”